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New U.S. Bill Creates Federal Crypto Theft Task Force
The Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Enforcement and Coordination Act would establish a Justice Department task force. Bipartisan support and $11.4B in losses give it momentum.
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A bill introduced Thursday in the U.S. House would create a federal task force to combat crypto theft and support victims. Representatives Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) filed the Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Enforcement and Coordination Act, according to a press release from Gooden’s office.
The task force, to be called the Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force, would sit inside the Justice Department. The attorney general would chair it, and senior officials from DOJ, the Department of Homeland Security, the Treasury Department and federal law enforcement agencies would join. The bill also requires a playbook for state and local agencies covering evidence collection, blockchain forensics and victim support. An annual report to Congress would detail trends, outcomes and recommended actions. The language explicitly limits the task force to criminal enforcement and coordination, a carve‑out meant to protect innovation.
Gooden said Washington lacks a coordinated strategy to stop crypto criminals who steal billions from Americans. “As digital assets shape the future of finance, this bill protects consumers, cracks down on thieves, and strengthens trust in the crypto ecosystem,” he said.
Gottheimer said victims of crypto theft and scams have nowhere to turn. The bill would bring federal agencies together to support victims, go after criminals and provide backup to local law enforcement. “That means a single federal point of contact, an effective, coordinated response, and a clear playbook for going after the criminals robbing people blind,” he said.